Author Topic: 50% on BigStock (Read 16285 times)

Dreamframer · « **on:** August 10, 2009, 03:30 »

My friend spent $15 on buying images from me on BigStock. He thought I will get 50% ($7,5) from it, but I earned only $5.
Does BigStock still give us 50% of our sales, or not anymore?

madelaide · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2009, 10:41 »

It's 50c per credit.

You used to be more attentive.

http://www.microstockgroup.com/bigstock-com/how-are-you-doing-at-bigstock/

PixelBytes · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2009, 12:57 »

Quote from: Whitechild on August 10, 2009, 03:30

My friend spent $15 on buying images from me on BigStock. He thought I will get 50% ($7,5) from it, but I earned only $5.
Does BigStock still give us 50% of our sales, or not anymore?

This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this. It is not good practice at all. Very deceptive of BigStock and something they should address.

However based on the non-responses the last time this came up I would not hold my breath.

gostwyck · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2009, 13:31 »

Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57

This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.

Any story that starts "My friend ..." or "I've got a friend who has this problem ..." is not necessarily a 'real world example'!

'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

massman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2009, 14:44 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31

Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57
This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.
'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Rubbish.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2009, 15:34 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31

Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57
This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.
'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Really? Why not?

Adeptris · « **Reply #6 on:** August 10, 2009, 15:45 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2009, 15:34

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31
Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57
This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.
'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Really? Why not?

My Buddy can buy direct and save 10% from the highest online price I send them to view

gostwyck · « **Reply #7 on:** August 10, 2009, 15:46 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2009, 15:34

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31
'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Really? Why not?

Because their friend would be happy to email them the images for free of course. Friends are always happy to help each other out whether it's professional advice, plumbing, mechanics, DIY or in this case pictures __ I'm kind of surprised that it is being questioned.

Adeptris · « **Reply #8 on:** August 10, 2009, 15:54 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 15:46

Because their friend would be happy to email them the images for free of course. Friends are always happy to help each other out whether it's professional advice, plumbing, mechanics, DIY or in this case pictures __ I'm kind of surprised that it is being questioned.

It could be the buddy is a designer that is not buying for themself, but for a paid job or their company so it would be approriate, I worked in the building trade for 20 years, friends & family would get any spare materials and advice for free but that was all, I was running a business from a sole trader to employing 30 tradesmen, until the last recession hit, but any work for friends or family would be done at cost plus materials, which they agreed was correct and it stopped them from feeling they were taking advantage, so they could ask again.

David

Phil · « **Reply #9 on:** August 10, 2009, 16:06 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 15:46

Quote from: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2009, 15:34
Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31
'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Really? Why not?

Because their friend would be happy to email them the images for free of course. Friends are always happy to help each other out whether it's professional advice, plumbing, mechanics, DIY or in this case pictures __ I'm kind of surprised that it is being questioned.

I agree, but if the friend isnt spending his own money he may decide to help his buddy

gostwyck · « **Reply #10 on:** August 10, 2009, 16:08 »

^^^ Exactly, good example Adeptris.

In my case one is a buddy who sometimes needs images of local landmarks for his catalogue/website; another is the owner of a local business who gives me plenty of custom-shoot work but occasionally needs the odd local image; another is CEO of a manufacturing business (who also gives me access to it) ... etc, etc, etc. I wouldn't dream of just directing them to my agency portfolios or trying to nail them for a few quid direct.

cathyslife · « **Reply #11 on:** August 10, 2009, 16:42 »

Because their friend would be happy to email them the images for free of course. Friends are always happy to help each other out whether it's professional advice, plumbing, mechanics, DIY or in this case pictures __ I'm kind of surprised that it is being questioned.

I guess you must be a much better friend than I am. If you want my help moving, I'm there. If you want my opinion on something, I'm there. Need help building your house, I'm there.

Ask me to do anything related to my making money and my profession, no freebies.

While I was on vacation, the friend that I went to visit decided I could help her sister with some product photography, for free, she never even offered to take me to lunch. I only took my camera, no lights, etc. It was my vacation after all. I was there to enjoy the sun and sand, not work. I did the favor, but asked that she not tell anyone I did the work. It was half-assed and unprofessional. I did the best I could, but it took me about 5 hours of PS time to clean them up. I was fuming. Never again.

gostwyck · « **Reply #12 on:** August 10, 2009, 17:08 »

I'm not surprised you were fuming! I wasn't talking about doing custom shoots or anything like that __ just the use of an odd image or two from an existing portfolio (as the OP was suggesting his 'friend' required).

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2009, 17:25 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 17:08

I'm not surprised you were fuming! I wasn't talking about doing custom shoots or anything like that __ just the use of an odd image or two from an existing portfolio (as the OP was suggesting his 'friend' required).

I think it's a two way street, Gostwick. If HE/SHE is a real friend ... HE/SHE should be eager to use my images rather than purchase them elsewhere. Why would HE/SHE expect me to give him a car because I sell cars?

PixelBytes · « **Reply #14 on:** August 10, 2009, 18:44 »

Quote from: cclapper on August 10, 2009, 16:42

Ask me to do anything related to my making money and my profession, no freebies.

While I was on vacation, the friend that I went to visit decided I could help her sister with some product photography, for free, she never even offered to take me to lunch. I only took my camera, no lights, etc. It was my vacation after all. I was there to enjoy the sun and sand, not work. I did the favor, but asked that she not tell anyone I did the work. It was half-assed and unprofessional. I did the best I could, but it took me about 5 hours of PS time to clean them up. I was fuming. Never again.

What a nightmare. I would have been mad too. I used to get roped into stuff like this too and it always left me feeling used, not to mention exhausted.

Last year my extended family planned a big reunion. Distant relatives were expected to gather from all over the US and Canada. The people organizing it actually tried to entice me to come by promising I could be the "official" photographer for the 3 day event. Lucky me!

Needless to say there were no offers to pay my travel or hotel bills. Worst part was when I explained that spending an extended weekend doing for free what I do for a living was not my idea of a fun time, they were offended!

FWIW, on whether or not the OP's comment about his friend buying his images is valid, Whitechild is a long time valued member of this group, so I would definitely take his word for it.

Dreamframer · « **Reply #15 on:** August 11, 2009, 01:15 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31

Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57
This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.

Any story that starts "My friend ..." or "I've got a friend who has this problem ..." is not necessarily a 'real world example'!

'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Gostwyck, you insulted me once already (if you remember), and I guess you don't remember because obviously you like to insult people very often. I am very lucky I don't have to say some bad word for you because your own words speak for them selves. I only have to sit and watch people laughing at you.

The "Friend" who bought images from me is a person who is closing his account on BigStock, and he had $15 there. He asked me if I'd like to buy few images from him on DT in return because he needed few more dollars to be paid on DT. I helped that person to be accepted at SS, and we are still in touch. He didn't need my images for some project. He is not a designer, so I could send him every image I have in full size, and that would mean nothing to him.
Next time you make some conclusion about anything or anybody get out of that tiny little box of yours. Stop making a fool of your self.
I don't have nothing more to say to you.

Lcjtripod · « **Reply #16 on:** August 11, 2009, 06:13 »

Quote from: Whitechild on August 11, 2009, 01:15

Quote from: gostwyck on August 10, 2009, 13:31
Quote from: PixelBytes on August 10, 2009, 12:57
This bears repeating anyway. It's good to see a real world example of this.

Any story that starts "My friend ..." or "I've got a friend who has this problem ..." is not necessarily a 'real world example'!

'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency.

Gostwyck, you insulted me once already (if you remember), and I guess you don't remember because obviously you like to insult people very often. I am very lucky I don't have to say some bad word for you because your own words speak for them selves. I only have to sit and watch people laughing at you.

The "Friend" who bought images from me is a person who is closing his account on BigStock, and he had $15 there. He asked me if I'd like to buy few images from him on DT in return because he needed few more dollars to be paid on DT. I helped that person to be accepted at SS, and we are still in touch. He didn't need my images for some project. He is not a designer, so I could send him every image I have in full size, and that would mean nothing to him.
Next time you make some conclusion about anything or anybody get out of that tiny little box of yours. Stop making a fool of your self.
I don't have nothing more to say to you.

Whitechild,

I think it was nice of you to help your friend. Furthermore your reason for helping was a good one. I have done the same thing before but for a different reason. From one site I had a friend buy one image at regular price and a second with an EL price. Reason: To check the honesty of the site I was dealing with. In both sales I collected the correct amount. I will be doing this again soon with more than one site. If we the contributors do not check out the honesty of the sites ..... who would?

I have a friend in another country that I would go to extreme means to help him and I know he would do the same for me.

For other folks they should have their facts straight before they condemn a person or their actions. People have been put to death because some people did not have their facts straight and send an honest man to prison.

Think, then talk.

Good luck to you and your friend,
-Larry

Pheby · « **Reply #17 on:** August 11, 2009, 06:32 »

Quote from: cclapper on August 10, 2009, 16:42

Because their friend would be happy to email them the images for free of course. Friends are always happy to help each other out whether it's professional advice, plumbing, mechanics, DIY or in this case pictures __ I'm kind of surprised that it is being questioned.

I guess you must be a much better friend than I am. If you want my help moving, I'm there. If you want my opinion on something, I'm there. Need help building your house, I'm there.

Ask me to do anything related to my making money and my profession, no freebies.

While I was on vacation, the friend that I went to visit decided I could help her sister with some product photography, for free, she never even offered to take me to lunch. I only took my camera, no lights, etc. It was my vacation after all. I was there to enjoy the sun and sand, not work. I did the favor, but asked that she not tell anyone I did the work. It was half-assed and unprofessional. I did the best I could, but it took me about 5 hours of PS time to clean them up. I was fuming. Never again.

[/quote

I know what you mean - people (not even friends) often expect me to do free translations and proof-reading of their work, which I just don't do anymore. Jobs like that for some reason aren't considered to be actual work. And I handle things like you do - I'll do lots for friends, but no free translations, no free proof-reading and no free photos!

m@m · « **Reply #18 on:** August 11, 2009, 09:48 »

A big welcome back to you Whitechild, your posts to this forum are always very valuable, informative and to the point, making this forum worthy of reading, unlike some others that use this forum to unload their malice and frustrations...it's my believe that the word Friend is a very meaningful one, and not one to be taken lightly, in my opinion a friend is someone you do favors too sometimes even without being ask and receive the same back, just because it's your friend, not because you expect any kind of monetary gain from the favor it self. I also think it was very nice for you to help a friend, I would have done the same.

Best regards.

gostwyck · « **Reply #19 on:** August 11, 2009, 20:47 »

Quote from: Whitechild on August 11, 2009, 01:15

Gostwyck, you insulted me once already (if you remember), and I guess you don't remember because obviously you like to insult people very often. I am very lucky I don't have to say some bad word for you because your own words speak for them selves. I only have to sit and watch people laughing at you.

The "Friend" who bought images from me is a person who is closing his account on BigStock, and he had $15 there. He asked me if I'd like to buy few images from him on DT in return because he needed few more dollars to be paid on DT. I helped that person to be accepted at SS, and we are still in touch. He didn't need my images for some project. He is not a designer, so I could send him every image I have in full size, and that would mean nothing to him.
Next time you make some conclusion about anything or anybody get out of that tiny little box of yours. Stop making a fool of your self.
I don't have nothing more to say to you.

Sorry if you felt insulted __ that wasn't actually my intention. Being as the topic of BigStock's paltry 20% commission has been discussed endlessly here, and you are an extremely regular contributor, I assumed you must have been more than aware of the issue. How on earth could you not be?

Not only that but if you were in any genuine doubt about the rates then I would have credited you with the intelligence to simply click on BigStock's faq's where all is revealed;

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/faq.html#3

That would have been so much quicker for you to do than posting your question here but hey, never mind. Anyway, because of that I took it that you were simply using the old "my friend has this problem ..." ploy as a means of dredging this issue back into the limelight __ and quite rightly so.

Btw, in case you haven't noticed, you've actually changed your original story from your 'friend' buying your images to now you buying his. Make your mind up before you get back on your high horse.

gostwyck · « **Reply #20 on:** August 11, 2009, 20:55 »

Quote from: Lcjtripod on August 11, 2009, 06:13

For other folks they should have their facts straight before they condemn a person or their actions. People have been put to death because some people did not have their facts straight and send an honest man to prison.

Don't be such a ridiculous drama-queen Larry. This is an internet forum on the subject of microstock photography __ nobody's been sent to prison from here yet. You might want to get your facts straight and note the inconsistency of the OP's story before you pass judgement too.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #21 on:** August 11, 2009, 21:43 »

The guy doesn't know when to quit.
I see I'm not the only one looking for that ignore button.

m@m · « **Reply #22 on:** August 11, 2009, 21:54 »

LOL...you've got that right Warren

Dreamframer · « **Reply #23 on:** August 12, 2009, 02:20 »

Quote from: gostwyck on August 11, 2009, 20:47

Quote from: Whitechild on August 11, 2009, 01:15
Gostwyck, you insulted me once already (if you remember), and I guess you don't remember because obviously you like to insult people very often. I am very lucky I don't have to say some bad word for you because your own words speak for them selves. I only have to sit and watch people laughing at you.

The "Friend" who bought images from me is a person who is closing his account on BigStock, and he had $15 there. He asked me if I'd like to buy few images from him on DT in return because he needed few more dollars to be paid on DT. I helped that person to be accepted at SS, and we are still in touch. He didn't need my images for some project. He is not a designer, so I could send him every image I have in full size, and that would mean nothing to him.
Next time you make some conclusion about anything or anybody get out of that tiny little box of yours. Stop making a fool of your self.
I don't have nothing more to say to you.

Sorry if you felt insulted __ that wasn't actually my intention. Being as the topic of BigStock's paltry 20% commission has been discussed endlessly here, and you are an extremely regular contributor, I assumed you must have been more than aware of the issue. How on earth could you not be?

Not only that but if you were in any genuine doubt about the rates then I would have credited you with the intelligence to simply click on BigStock's faq's where all is revealed;

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/faq.html#3

That would have been so much quicker for you to do than posting your question here but hey, never mind. Anyway, because of that I took it that you were simply using the old "my friend has this problem ..." ploy as a means of dredging this issue back into the limelight __ and quite rightly so.

Btw, in case you haven't noticed, you've actually changed your original story from your 'friend' buying your images to now you buying his. Make your mind up before you get back on your high horse.

He bought my images on BigStock, and in return I am going to buy his images on DT. Read my post again. Do you understand now?

About earnings rate on BigStock: "I am a contributor at some 15 agencies, and I don't know exact earnings percentage for every agency. I rely on what my friend told me, and he told me I should earn 50% of his $15, that's why I didn't check it in FAQ. It's not a big deal anyway, and I think I have right to ask. And when someone asks something, he expects the answer on his question. Your answer was :"Any story that starts "My friend ..." or "I've got a friend who has this problem ..." is not necessarily a 'real world example'!

'Friends' don't buy their buddy's images from an agency."

That's not the answer on my question I think. That was an accusation, like I am a liar or something...like I invented the whole story.
If you think my question is stupid, you could tell me to read FAQ before I post something here. That answer would be much correct than yours.

Dreamframer · « **Reply #24 on:** August 12, 2009, 02:24 »

m@m, thank you for your welcome!
Everybody else HIIII! I'm back!

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Author Topic: 50% on BigStock (Read 16285 times)

Dreamframer

madelaide

PixelBytes

gostwyck

massman

WarrenPrice

Adeptris

gostwyck

Adeptris

Phil

gostwyck

cathyslife

gostwyck

WarrenPrice

PixelBytes

Dreamframer

Lcjtripod

Pheby

m@m

gostwyck

gostwyck

WarrenPrice

m@m

Dreamframer

Dreamframer

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